Chiropractor Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $36.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a chiropractor working in Columbia, SC runs $36.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,787 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1011). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,472 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Chiropractors in Columbia, South Carolina, can expect a median hourly pay of $36.44, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $38.95. This pay scale opens opportunities for both part-time practitioners and per-diem workers across various settings, such as private practices, integrated medical clinics, and sports team training rooms. The hourly compensation ranges from entry-level rates of $20.23 to top earners making up to $58.23, reflecting the diverse experience levels and specializations among the 150 chiropractors working in the area. This official BLS data for 2026 indicates how this profession can cater to a flexible work-life balance, especially for those who choose to work only three days per week.
Chiropractor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.23 | $161.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.30 | $234.37 |
| Median (P50) | $36.44 | $291.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.25 | $354.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.23 | $465.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $36.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.44/hr, a chiropractor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $75,786 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,723. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,457.43 | $6,316 | $75,786 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $874.46 | $3,789 | $45,472 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $582.97 | $2,526 | $30,315 |
Compare DC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Chiropractor (Columbia) | $36.44 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.18 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $46.10 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $28.37 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.28 |
Chiropractors in Columbia, SC earn a median of $75,787 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.45% lower than the national median of $81,014 and 2.20% above the South Carolina state average of $74,155.
Chiropractor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.44/hr = $45,472/year (purchasing power: $48,549).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,786/year (purchasing power: $80,915).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Chiropractors in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for chiropractors in Columbia grew 12.6% from $31.64/hr (2019) to $35.62/hr (2025). At a 2.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.27/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem chiropractors can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.29% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Chiropractor in Columbia
In Columbia, a part-time chiropractor working three days a week can earn significantly less annually compared to a full-time counterpart, impacting overall financial stability. Per-diem chiropractor pay in Columbia typically ranges from $300 to $600 daily for established practices, while compensation for covering sports events can reach between $400 and $1,000 per day. Brand-name franchises such as The Joint Chiropractic tend to offer hourly rates of $50 to $70, often supplemented by productivity bonuses. In the local market, hourly rates can vary widely depending on the practice type; for instance, solo private practices might offer lower hourly rates but fewer benefits, while multi-doctor clinics and integrated practices may provide a higher compensation package that includes health insurance. For chiropractors negotiating their hourly rate, understanding these dynamics and the benefits trade-offs can lead to more favorable agreements tailored to individual needs.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, D.C.
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a chiropractor. She specializes in sports injuries and practices in a private clinic. Maria also conducts workshops for community health education.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for chiropractors in Columbia. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for chiropractors (SOC 29-1011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, D.C., a licensed chiropractor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov